Empowering Orang Asli communities through an integrative approach to sustainable food sovereignty

Abstract

The Orang Asli, the indigenous people of Malaysia, are experiencing many environmental, sociocul­tural, and nutritional issues that have negatively impacted their overall well-being. This research aimed to identify the challenges that undermine the Orang Asli. This paper aims to provide an alterna­tive framework for development for the Orang Asli that emphasizes food sovereignty and the vital role that indigenous food systems play in supporting the health and well-being of the Orang Asli. Twenty-four informants from three villages (Telimau, Bukit Terang, and Kampung Sat) were interviewed using both semi-structured interview and participant observation methods. The pro­posed Sustainable Food Sovereignty Model advo­cates for the need of the Orang Asli to determine their own food systems, thus allowing them to respond to their own needs, utilizing culturally based indigenous food, and facilitating decisions about the allocation of their resources.  The paper also highlights the importance of ethical space that fosters collaboration and respect, and of the pre­ser­vation of biodiversity in supporting sustainable food systems. It also emphasizes the need to shorten the food supply chain to strengthen local food sovereignty and resilience.